Choosing open standard solutions is a critical strategic decision that enterprises are now considering when looking to upgrade their employee and visitor access experience with mobile access credentials.
Software-only based mobile access credentials that are built on open standard specifications, like the Public Key Open Credential (PKOC), developed by the Physical Security Interoperability Alliance (PSIA), deliver greater flexibility, stronger integration across systems, and freedom from reader hardware reliance. PKOC credentials are not tied to a single model of reader, a single system or a single app. This distinction not only impacts cost and scalability, but also determines how securely and seamlessly organizations can manage building security, identity, and access rights across multiple locations and platforms.
The case for public key open standard mobile access credentials
Open standard credentials that are built on PKOC specification are designed to work across multiple platforms, devices, and access control systems, enabling organizations to choose hardware and software from different providers without being locked into one ecosystem.
A modern security model based on public-private key infrastructure and asymmetric cryptography, enables this flexibility to work across ecosystems. The public keys can be shared and work across multiple systems, devices, and applications. Private keys are never shared or exposed, they are stored securely in the device’s secure element, completely reducing the risk of being compromised.
The Public Key Open Credential (PKOC) specification, defines the advantages of an open interoperable approach:
- Open to any vendor through a standardized architecture for cross platform interoperability or host upgrades.
- Uses asymmetric cryptography for secure authentication.
- Supports multiple technologies (NFC, BLE, UWB) across devices.
- Protection against unnecessary cost increases.
- Enables flexible vendor considerations.
This approach improves interoperability, enhances security, and eliminates licensing restrictions for enterprises.As a result, open standard public-key mobile access credentials give organizations greater flexibility, lower total cost of ownership, and more control over how their access control infrastructure evolves over time.
Sentry Interactive and PKOC
Mobile access credential software developers like Sentry Interactive have designed their mobile credentials around open standards and asymmetric cryptography, supporting the PKOC framework. This non-proprietary, hardware-agnostic approach adheres to the highest security standards while offering practical benefits: credentials can be deployed at scale across enterprise environments through seamless software integration, organizations gain freedom with broad interoperability that ensures compatibility with diverse access control systems and third-party management platforms, creating flexible, future-ready deployments.By supporting the Public Key Open Credential (PKOC) framework, Sentry Interactive enables organizations to deploy asymmetric mobile credentials at scale that are not connected to a vendor’s roadmap and pricing model. This empowers integrators and end users to retain control over their systems while benefiting from modern security and flexibility.
Built on robust security standards that enable flexibility
At the core of open mobile access credentials is asymmetric cryptography, aligning physical access control with current IT security best practices.
This approach offers several advantages:
- Stronger protection against credential cloning or replay attacks.
- Quantum-ready encryption (256-bit minimum).
- Interoperability with identity platforms like cloud IAM systems.
In contrast, many systems historically rely on symmetric cryptography. This model is simpler and less advanced, which made it popular in earlier access control systems. However, it can introduce risks; key distribution and storage become critical weak points. If a key is compromised, multiple credentials or readers may be affected, with limited transparency, since the cryptographic implementation is usually closed.
Conclusion
The transition to mobile credentials is inevitable across organizations globally, but the choice for open mobile access credentials will shape the future of your mobile access.
Innovative software approaches, particularly those built on open standards such as what the PKOC framework outlines, provide a more adaptable, flexible, and sustainable path forward, delivering enhanced security, interoperability, and freedom from limitations.
With companies like Sentry Interactive helping to pioneer PKOC-based mobile credentials, the industry is moving toward a more open, secure, and user-centric model. One where organizations are no longer constrained, but empowered to adopt an open software solution for their existing access control system that utilizes and extends the OEMs or reader manufacturer’s technology.
